According to Fabrizio Romano, Man United deployed scouts to observe a Benfica player before the January transfer window opened.

Scouts from Manchester United attended Sunday’s thrilling match between Benfica and Sporting CP because the Premier League team was interested in one of the Portuguese team’s stars.

Benfica overcame a one-goal deficit to win the match 2-1 thanks to some late drama. Roger Schmidt’s team now leads the league after the home team scored two goals in extra time.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Man United scouts were keeping an eye on Joao Neves, the player who scored the equalizer, before the January transfer window opened.

The Premier League’s biggest teams like the midfielder, but the team cannot make any moves until the board decides whether to allow Sir Jim Ratcliffe to join Old Trafford.

At barely 19 years old, Neves is a defensive midfielder who plays a regular role for Benfica. After making his club debut the previous year, the midfield player has been on fire in Portugal.

Man United is rumored to be searching for a successor for Casemiro, who is rumored to be moving to Saudi Arabia. Neves’ profile seems to meet the Premier League team’s future goals.

Since the 19-year-old’s contract with Benfica runs through 2028, a sizable offer will be required to entice him to leave the Estádio da Luz.